WesternWilson

Just a quick note that the pool noodle idea is great and was based on the method I first learned from Sharon Schamber on YouTube. Sharon used 4" wide finished trim boards instead of pool noodles, which work really well. They stay straight and flat and are easy to control.

Her original videos (it was a three part series) were filmed *18 years ago*!! But there is an updated one, in high definition:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMP4iSeYAy4

Onebyone

I use a hoop quilting frame so I baste my quilts before quilting. If I get the layers straight when basting I don't have to constantly keep checking while quilting. I had a large quilt to layer and that is when I used the line down the middle to keep it all straight as I was basting using only an ironing board. I marked each piece and basted the line all the way down the sandwich first thing. No way the quilt could get all out of whack when finishing basting.

LGJARN52

I brought up the pool noodle idea here on the board a couple of weeks ago...they are a back saver. I also mark the middle of the backing fabric with a small x or -- line top and bottom, and do the same with the pieced top. Having both of these really does help eveything line up.

Stitchnripper

I glue baste on my dining room table and what works for me is folding the top, backing and batting into quarters and marking the center/middle. Stick a pin through all layers and start the gluing from the middle out and so far they all seem to be okay